Can I Become A Birth Assistant
If you are interested in working in the world of midwifery but want to see if this is where your passion lies, a great option is to become a birth assistant to get a feel of what it’s like to work in a birth center.
Who is a Birth Assistant?
A birth assistant is another attendant at a birth. They’re specifically trained to help your midwife and assist them during the birthing process.
They are not licensed or certified to conduct deliveries on their own. However, they can attend and assist with birth under the supervision of a certified healthcare provider and be compensated for it accordingly.
A birth assistant can help get supplies for the midwife, prepare the mother for birth, help her drink water, and help make the process easier for the mother and the midwife.
Benefits Of Being A Birth Assistant?
Being a birth assistant isn’t a full-time job. Here are some of the reasons you might want to consider becoming a birth assistant:
- The hours are flexible and not too extensive
- There aren’t a lot of prerequisites that you need
- The workload isn’t too overwhelming
- You receive one on one training for the job
How To Become A Birth Assistant
There are no specific prerequisites to becoming a birth assistant. The requirements can vary from birth center to birth center. But here are some of the basics that can help you secure a position more effectively:
- A high school diploma or equivalent certification
- CPR and neonatal resuscitation certification
- The AABC community birth assistant course
Taking the AABC course helps equip you with plenty of knowledge and skills that will enable you to carry out your work more efficiently. It’s also a solid certification that will look good on your resume should you ever plan to pursue a career in this field.
For more questions about becoming a birth assistant, contact us at Birthways Family Birth Center!